Only 0.4 percent of middle schools in Japan have decided to use the textbook with distortions of history authored by the far-right Japanese Society for History Textbook Reform. We would most of all hope that this would be an opportunity for those involved with the group to wake up to what they're doing.
The results are very significant in that the process has confirmed the latent strength of conscientious elements in Japan. The situation ahead of the process was more advantageous for the Japanese Society for History Textbook Reform than it had ever been previously, because the media showed no interest when the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), the government, and LDP members in regional governments systematically promoted the textbook. The mood was such that the textbook group set a goal of selection by 10 percent of middle schools. We applaud the success of Japanese civic groups in their persistent campaign against the problematic texts.
Even more notable in all this is the "power of solidarity" that made itself fully evident in the process. Korean civic groups accomplished much with a donation campaign for money to pay for advertisements in Japanese newspapers directly appealing to public opinion there. They also traveled around Japan with Japanese civic groups on a joint campaign against it, and local Korean governments sought the understanding of sister Japanese localities.
Meanwhile the publication of History that Opens the Future, a joint history textbook by scholars in Korea, China, and Japan, was a landmark event that was more than just a response to textbooks that whitewash history - it also opened up a new horizon in solidarity campaigns. The experience will be a solid form of support for the work of Asians who seek to overcome the past and create a community of peaceful prosperity.
It is most unfortunate that since becoming prime minister, Junichiro Koizumi has become an exemplary symbol of Japan's turn to the right with his visits to Yasukuni Shrine and the problematic textbooks. It shows you that it will be hard for Japanese society to completely deal with Japan's imperialist past on its own strength. That is why elements of conscience in Japan need to grow, and why there needs to be more active solidarity among Asians.
The Hankyoreh, 31 August 2005.
[Translations by Seoul Selection (PMS)]
[Editorial] Japanese Textbooks and the Power of Solidarity |
